Illinois Food Handler Certificate Online

How do I get a food handler certificate in Illinois?

It’s easy to get your food handler card in Illinois. First, complete an accredited training program and take the exam! Once you pass, you'll get a certificate of completion that you bring to your employer as proof of training. Enroll now to get your food handler card in Illinois.

Does Illinois require food handler training?

Yes. Under Title 77, Part 750 of the Illinois Administrative Code, all food handlers (other than Certified Food Protection Managers) must receive approved food handler training within their first 30 days of employment.

Once you've earned your food handler card, you need to give a copy to your employer. Illinois requires employers to have proof of training for employees available at all times in either electronic format or hard copy.

Who needs a food handler license?

Illinois requires food handler training for anyone who is paid to work with unpackaged food, food equipment/utensils, or food-contact surfaces.  It doesn't apply to unpaid volunteers or food service at temporary events.

Establishments that require a food handler card include:

• Counter-service restaurants
• Fast food restaurants
• Fine-dining restaurants
• Coffee shops, delis, and cafes
• Grocery stores and convenience stores
• Food trucks and other "mobile" food
• Hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities
• Schools and licensed daycare homes/facilities
• And many more…

How Old Must You Be to Serve Food in Illinois?

In Illinois, the minimum age to serve food is 14 years old. However, some job restrictions apply based on age.

At the ages of 14 and 15, food service workers cannot perform hazardous work like cleaning or operating power-driven food slicers or meat processing machines. They also cannot work for businesses that serve alcohol or during school hours.

At the ages of 16 and 17, food service workers are still prohibited from performing hazardous work and serving spirits but can work for businesses with specific alcohol licenses. There are no restrictions on their working hours.

At 18, food service workers can do all of the above.

How Much Is an Illinois Food Handler’s Card?

The cost of an Illinois Food Handler Card varies but is generally very affordable. Taking an approved online course, like ours, can provide both convenience and value. You can find our food handler certificate pricing above.

Can I take an online course to get my food handler certificate?

You can earn your Illinois food handler permit online or in-person. But it’s important to note that any course you take must be accredited.

This means that the training program has been approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), such as the Learn2Serve, by 360training, courses.

Enroll in our online food handler card training to meet your state requirements in Illinois.

How Do I Renew My Illinois Food Handler Card?

In Illinois, food handler cards are valid for three (3) years from the issue date. To renew your certification before it expires, follow these steps:

1. Enroll in an ANSI-accredited food handler training course like ours.
2. Complete the training and learn key food safety principles.
3. Pass the final exam to demonstrate your knowledge- of the subject matter.
4. Provide a copy of your certificate of completion to your employer and keep one for your records.
5. Repeat this process every three years to maintain your certification.

How long does an Illinois food handlers certificate last?

Your food handler certificate is valid for three years. You’ll need to complete the food handler training course again once it expires.

Why should I take food handler training?

You need to complete food handler training if you want to work as a food employee in the state of Illinois. Food safety training is also important for preventing foodborne illnesses.

In 2017, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there was a total of 51 foodborne disease outbreaks in Illinois. That's up from the 42 outbreaks reported in 2016 but lower than the 64 reported in 2015.

If you practice what you learn in food handler training, you can help keep the number of outbreaks down.

What jobs can I get in Illinois with my food handler certificate?

As we discussed above, you can work at a variety of establishments if you have your food handler card. And within those establishments, a number of jobs require a food handler card, including:

• Food servers and bartenders
• Cooks and chefs
• Food runners
• Bussers
• Any employee who sometimes works with unpackaged food or related surfaces

According to the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), in 2019 there were 588,700 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 10% of total employment. And that number is projected to grow 7% by the year 2029.

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Illinois, here are some good options, along with how much money you can expect to make based on wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Another thing to note is that you’ll need your Illinois food handler card to get any of these jobs. And if you already have it before you apply, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!

Where can I find more information about food safety in Illinois?

Illinois Department of Public Health: The IDPH regulates food safety in Illinois. You can find resources on foodborne illnesses, as well as food safety tips, product recall information, and more.